Istanbul is also known as “The City on the Seven Hills” and is the largest city in Turkiye. Apart from that, the city is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. Here we bring you the best restaurants in Istanbul for you to enjoy tantalizing food and drinks in the boisterous city!
Find the best restaurants in Istanbul here!
1. Strada
Strada is an Italian-based eatery in Istanbul. Offering its guests authentic oven-fresh pizza, pasta and so much more, the hotspot has a menu full of tasty Italian cuisine.
Enter a chic and elegant hotspot with marble decor all around. Order what suits your palate best. It does not matter what. For each dish is fresh and everything is kept bespoke to your taste buds.
2. Cecconi’s Istanbul
One of the
best restaurants in Istanbul
A local Italian cuisine restaurant that strives to bring you the authentic flavors of Italy in the heart of Turkiye. Come and join Cecconi, a world-famous restaurant that has branches all around the globe, and experience a gastronomic experience where you indulge in the true flavors of Bel Paese.
Furthermore, the view of the city from the eatery is just beautiful! Sit, relax and enjoy a cup of Turkiye tea and order yourself their signature pan-style pizza. A moment of solace and tranquility!
3. Nobu Istanbul
One of the best restaurants in Istanbul
The notorious Nobu needs no introduction. Japanese fusion restaurant that has numerous branches in all the major cities of the world. Now in Istanbul. No doubt Nobu is one of the best places to enjoy sushi or any Japanese cuisine when in Turkiye.
Additionally, the interior will take your breath away. A Japanese-styled bar, glass ceilings, and wooden setup. The vibes are just perfect for an elegant dinner/lunch. A perfect place for a sushi night out!
4. Sea Salt Feriye
Come and join Sea Salt Feriye to enjoy enchanting views of the Bosphorous, delicious flavors, and warm memories. This eatery features a seafood-based menu together with exceptional drinks. We must say it proudly paints the best views of the Bosphorous Strait. They take your breath away!
In addition, the food is particularly delicious. You must try their Bursa Bayrampasa Artichoke, Beypazari Noodles, Yoghurt Cassava, and the Thracian Lamb Sleeve. A blend that you will never forget!
5. Ferida Istanbul
If you ever visit Turkiye, tea time at Ferida is a must! The blend, the scent everything about it is just divine! Apart from the tea, the menu itself is no less. And the wine collection is one of the best! Try the Yugoslavia. The fig cocktail is perfectly blended to perfection!
Additionally, the mains are really tasty. Like the Spaghetti Bolognese with Aperol. Or the Sea Bass with a glass of white wine. Sounds yummy! So get going pretties! Ferida’s experience awaits!
6. Novikov Istanbul
A restaurant and a bar that features beautiful gardens and vast panoramic views of the Bosphorous from the terrace. Apart from the prime location right in the heart of the city, the restaurant is a modern mix of classical architecture that will surely catch your eye. We definitely loved the whole ambiance. Elegant, exquisite, and exceptional at the same time.
Moreover, the menu is as amazing as the eatery itself. Because the chefs go the extra mile to bring food that does not only look good but also tastes exceptional. You must try their Mochi Bites after dinner/lunch. They are light on the stomach but bursting with flavors for the buds! Truly refreshing!
7. Cafe de Paris Teras Suadiye
If you are up to indulging in a course that is made with top-quality ingredients, tastes divine, and perfectly complements the wine collection that comes with it, then Cafe de Paris Teras Suadiye is just what you need. So, come and join the team to enjoy a gastronomy experience together with vast 180-degree views of the city and the sparkling waters!
In addition, the staff were attentive to our needs and were amiable in guiding what to order. All in all, we loved the views, the people, and of course the mouthwatering food. What more do we need to say? Sit on the terrace, enjoy the cool breeze brushing your cheeks and take a bite of delicious food. Savor every moment at Cafe de Paris Tera Suadiye. Because it is worth it!
8. The Townhouse
The Townhouse is a hygge eatery that makes you feel like as if you never left the warmth of your home in the first place. Celebrating every little thing about life like coffee, tea, cocktails, good food, and tasty desserts, the hotspot welcomes its guests with open arms and a menu fit for every palate.
So come enjoy a dinner/lunch date at The Townhouse where there are no mid-week blues but only happy moments of abundant flavors and fragrant lingering aromas.
9. Il Cortile Istanbul
A safe haven for cheese lovers when you are in Istanbul. Il Cortile Istanbul offers a delicious collection of Primi, Antipasta, and Secondi courses. And the Mozzarella section of the menu is a dream come true! Some of the dishes that we fell in love with the very instant we took a bite are; the Ravioli with sage and shrimp. A chef’s kiss! And the Octopus Carpaccio. Tastes divine!
Apart from the menu, the eatery also holds tradition and culture close to its heart. It shows in the hospitality and the architecture. The hotspot has defense walls that are standing from the 13th century till now! Come and enjoy a summer on the patio of Il Cortile. With summer vibes all around it is just perfect.
10. Sunset Grill & Bar
One of the best restaurants in Istanbul
Featuring a top-class menu of Mediterranean, Turkish, Japanese, Izgara, and sushi, Sunset Grill & Bar is one of the best eateries in town. The chef and the team have been offering scrumptious food and refreshing drinks for over two decades! And the service, as well as the quality, are truly exceptional!
Apart from an astounding lineage, the prime location adds more allure to the hotspot. Standing on a hilltop, guests get to enjoy majestic views of the city and the Bosphorous! Imagine sitting under the starry sky with somebody you hold close to your heart and enjoying divine food and drinks together. The night is still young at Sunset Grill & Bar.
11. Zoya’s House
Zoya’s House is literally a hygge hideout in the bustling city of Istanbul. A place to escape from the boisterous routine and enjoy a good hearty breakfast/lunch or dinner. The place is a total Instagram-worthy spot. Light cream-colored walls, dim hanging lights, wicker furniture, and a delicious menu. It is as if the homely feelings engulf your existence the moment you enter and you instantly let your guard down.
Furthermore, their collection of salads was just perfect for a healthy body and mind! And the desert was divine. Their Black Forest Profiteroles have our hearts. A MUST try from the dessert section. Trust us! You won’t be disappointed.
12. Zuma Istanbul
One of the best restaurants in Istanbul
A contemporary Japanese food restaurant, lounge, and bar with a terrace painting breathtaking views of the Datca Peninsula. Right on the hillside guests can gaze at the majestic volcanic mountain ranges and the sparkling coastline under the glistening sun. For a moment you would wish time could stop. Because that’s how breathtaking the scenery is.
In addition to the prime location, the eatery is both famous for its food and especially for cocktails. The Lychee and Rose Petal Martini are worth a shot. And the Raspberry and Passion Fruit cocktail is Zuma’s signature drink. Refreshing and tangy at the same time. It is time for drinks at Zuma pretties!
13. 29
If you are visiting Istanbul then 29 is an essential fine dining experience that you must not miss. Together with panoramic views of Ulus and tasty cuisine, 29 has us hooked. And will have you too in no time once you bite into their mains and especially deserts.
Because everything at 29, from the starters to the deserts is mouth-watering! And the cocktails are no less. The cocktails, hands down are the best thing that could happen to you when in town. PERIOD!
14. Boaz
Boaz Istanbul is a happy place full of vibrant colors, a menu featuring abundant dishes, tantalizing cocktails, and a terrace where you get to gaze at the majestic views of the Bosphorus. An eatery that offers food with love and desire.
Furthermore, the décor caught our eye. Black marble tables, vast windows, and thriving plant life. Chic, elegant, and green at the same time. You can also sit outside under a clear glass ceiling and enjoy the night sky as you enjoy your dinner. The reflections of night lights flickering on the dark waters at night take your breath away.
15. WU Bomonti
One of the best restaurants in Istanbul
Craving sushi with a side of tempting cocktails in Istanbul? Well, look no further. Wu Sushi + Cocktails is one of the best sushi restaurants in town. A true Japanese fusion restaurant with authentic sushi for your taste buds.
Try their Sonya tuna, avocado, cucumber, and miso sauce sushi. It is a new addition to the menu. Also, try the Truffle Prawn Sushi. Avocado with pickled carrots mayo and truffled beetroot. Every bite tastes divine! Ask the staff which cocktail goes best with the dish you order. They suggest the best! Cheers to happy tantalizing drinks and sushi. Bon apetit!
This was our list of the best restaurants in Istanbul
Are you already in love with this amazing city? Also, check out our Istanbul Hotel Guide here!